by Budweiser Clydesdale Blog Staff | Feb 28, 2014

Who doesn’t feel and look better after a great haircut? Well this applies to the Clydesdales as well. As handlers, we want the Clydesdales to look their best, so they get a weekly hair trim to give them that show quality look and smooth feel. For the East Coast Hitch geldings, a once a week trim helps to keep all their ‘lines’ such as their legs and belly looking sharp.

The most important trim is the face trim where all their muzzle stubble, eyebrow hairs, and rest of the face get a close clip. After that, the legs will get a once over. This includes special care being taken to leave one of the trademark features of the Clydesdale breed, the beautiful long white hair called feathering located at the bottom of each of their powerful legs. Next, the belly and sheath area are clipped to make sure these gentle giants are always ready for a photo shoot.

Pictured is a veteran road horse, Greg, calmly standing for his face trim by Burt.

Keeping a stable hand is not always easy, especially when working on a horse! But the Clydesdales help the handlers out by allowing a light hold on their face for that close, just shaved feeling. Staying trimmed up is especially nice during summer as it allows them to stay cooler.

And clipping has other benefits as well. It allows the handlers to inspect the geldings close up at different angles for any injuries or other abnormalities that may need treatment or attention. Additionally, bonding time with the horses is extremely important for a horse and its handler and the clipping allows for this close attention.

But all the work is worth it. The Clydesdales feel great and they look great as well!